Friday, February 20, 2009

Well known concept of not wishing to sew enmity. What types of prohibitions are superseded? Rambam seems to say even torah prohibitions yet then why do we still prohibit mixed partying (and wine, etc.) “mshum chatnut” (due to concern over intermarriage). His theory – social contract theory – live in harmony yet don’t assimilate. (Me – sounds like R’YBS on “ger vtoshav anoch, imachem” - I am a stranger and a citizen – like all Jews in the diaspora.)

Opinions of R’Schachter and R’Belsky on food and office. Consult your local orthodox Rabbi (CYLOR) since it’s my summary and many of the questions weren’t completely clarified. CYLOA (actuary) on the stock market issues.

Office Microwave:* Can’t take “Kosher only” sign on office microwave on faith* IMHO R’Schachter & Belsky disagreed on how much precaution need be taken (e.g. wrapping when using an office microwave)

Office Hotwater spouts – no problem unless you know someone actually puts cup contents in direct contact with spout.Use of “non-kosher” office glasses for cold drinks – OK if not kviut (ongoing usage of same utensil).Fresh cut (by someone else) veggies – no good since often use same knife for treif.Worry about switching of food containers in refrigerator – no problem as long as tviat ayin (recognizable) [no issue of basar shenitaleim (meat that was unwatched) but sometimes issue of Chiluf (switching) can be of concern (if profit or other strong motive)].

Paradigm shift alert! Need 2 sets of drinking glasses at home (IIUC – now that you put in dishwasher, ashkenaz at least follow Rama that we are concerned for bliyot (absoptions) from foods on dishes to glasses (even with bad taste soap) and then glass “becomes” dairy and can’t use “dairy” glass with meat meal on a regular basis??)

Hard drinks with co-worker – should never be in compromising situation.If co-worker stops you to talk after you wash to eat bread – it’s ok to say “one minute please” without rewashing.Can’t take mental health day and must work a full day based on local custom.Final question re: charities and investments – moderator suggested may need own session. Based on answers given, I’d agree and add a lay person in the field to the panel.

Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb - Should We Celebrate The Deaths of Hamas Terrorists?: link

Two shiurim on similar topic allow for an interesting comparison of presentation and organization technique as a function of the sex of the presenter (oh – you mean one anecdotal comparison doesn’t make a statistically significant database? Obviously you don’t live in blogland).

Ms. Stein – Hain’s title is a bit misleading since the topic is really how do we relate to vengeance once it is carried out.

Primary issue is how do we “reconcile” Mishlei 30:25 with 11:10. Or how Shmuel hakatan could always quote 30:25 yet be the author of the blessing of Lama Ishinim.

Surprise! Everyone looks at the data points and comes up with a lev shel torah function to explain and reconcile (e.g. f (evil involved, local conditions, onlookers, righteousness, during or after event….)

R’H Lookstein, Ramaz, KJ and women’s issues (new biography).YU world has no recognized, focal authority like R’YBS thus R’HL didn’t consult on presidential prayer service.R’AR would have separate men’s and women’s adult ed if possible, but Rn’T. Lichtenstein did attend R’YBS shiur.Differing traditions (R’AR from R’E Holtzer and R’HL from R’HS) as to whether Serarah (authority) is the issue for women officers or is it public exposure.

Important general discussion of chesed. Including according to different understanding your brothers, all of humanity and yourself.

R’Taragin tells a story about an entrance interview where the student was rejected due to his response to a question relating to “why do you give charity?”. The student responded that while his family was comfortable, he gives charity so that in the future if he or his descendants became impoverished, they would be taken care of. (Me – I’ve heard him tell this story before). R’Taragin wasn’t happy with the response, which he felt showed a lack of sensitivity. While I understand that reaction, I always felt the student was trying to show he was aware of the gemara in Shabbat re galgal hachozer (spinning wheel got to go round – Blood Sweat & Tears).

Some discussion of Segulot. For an interesting discussion see Religion and Superstition in “Conversations Journal” (I have a PDF copy for you at audioroundup 613@comcast.net) in the most recent edition of “Conversations”. [as my maternal grandfather taught us – “you can be religious or superstitious, but not both”].

Discussion of different practices on Shabbat Shira (e.g. feeding birds) and some issues with them.

Very nice insight on why the prophet Yechezkel was used in comparison to what the most lowly maidservant saw at Yam Suf (lesson – keep your focus!-If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ….).

Tough subject to summarize but R’Taubes makes a yeoman’s effort. Concepts such as Rov (majority), Miyut Hamatzui (material minority) and the like are key.

What % is miyut hamatzui? (fascinating historical note – at least to an actuary – look how late in history quantification started). Rivash says close to 50% but most accept Mishkenot Yaakov’s 10% but R’Elyashav says 7.5%.

Pitchei Tshuva (Y”D 81:4) discusses place where majority of cows are treifa. Quotes Tifferet Tzvi who gives 3 answers as to why their milk is ok. 1) don’t really know if this cow is treif 2) based on Tosot in chulin 11a “lots of lamdut) it’s a chazakah shelo nitbarrer bshatah (status unclear at the time) but Rashba & many disagree so assumed ok 3) sfek sfeika – ( doubt on top of a doubt) – because most treifot aren’t really so, we’re just strict on them. (Needs further discussion of how this really works – when is it 2 doubts and when is it one – either it’s tref or not.)

The question raised is when you mix the milk of these individual cows isn’t the “probability” such that no 1/60 bittul (nullification)? Several answers proposed.

Now I know some people who work with probabilities for a living and they (actually he, well actually me) always ask the question someone raised in the shiur - so, if I take the milk from any one cow, I can drink it but if I mix all the cows milk, I can’t?? Perhaps it has to do with Leidat hasafek or when horaah is given or asked or Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle? (Yes – I know R’YBS says halacha is exoteric knowledge but……OK R’OY Glickman shlita – Riddle me this?! )

Is it permissible to violate Shabbat for mental health (e.g. can social workers respond on Shabbat to a bombing scene – may it never occur again!) Does the question turn on immediacy of danger to self? Others?

If you slip up in these areas, don’t give up hope and don’t let it keep you from getting help.Some discussion of when to involve your Rebbe and when other professionals.Set personal goals and limits, view it as a challenge and persevere through setbacks.